Catholic Answers Live

Latest Episodes:

#12934 Why Do Catholics Believe in the Real Presence and Saints? - Karlo Broussard Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

“Why do Catholics believe in the Real Presence?” This question opens a discussion on the literal interpretation of the Eucharist, contrasting with symbolic views held by others. Additionally, the conversation addresses doubts stemming from differing ministries and provides clarity on the role of saints in Catholic faith, including responses to misconceptions about their intercessory power.

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Questions Covered:

01:32 – I am experience doubt, specifically Fr. James Martin ministry. I am coming from a protestant background so I am shocked.
15:10 – Why do Catholics take the Real Presence literally while others take it as symbols?
21:00 – She said that praying to the Saints is giving them the power of God. How can I respond?

#12933 Do Saints Go to Purgatory? Infallibility and Ministry - Karlo Broussard Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

“Do saints go to purgatory?” This question is addressed alongside discussions about the implications of becoming Catholic for one’s ministry and the definition of saints in scripture. The episode also touches on the relationship between the narrow way Jesus described and the Catholic Church’s size and wealth, as well as the concept of infallibility and its reasoning.

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Questions Covered:

11:48 – My OCIA class shared that Saints don’t go to purgatory. Is this true?
21:26 – I don’t know what would happen to my ministry if I became Catholic.
28:45 – According to scripture, saints are all believers in Christ, not just people the pope decided were special.
35:35 – If Jesus said the way is narrow, how does that relate to the Catholic church. It is a large and wealthy institution.
49:10 – I am confused about circular reasoning behind the infallibility of the catholic church.

#12932 Doesn’t the Thief on the Cross Prove Sacraments Are Optional? - Karlo Broussard Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

“Doesn’t the thief on the cross prove sacraments are optional?” This question raises important considerations about the necessity of sacraments in the Catholic faith. Other topics discussed include the origins of private confession and concerns about the seal of confession potentially protecting criminals, as well as the relationship between penance and the concept of grace.

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Questions Covered:

01:20 – Doesn’t the thief on the cross prove the whole sacramental system is optional? So why should any of us bother with the sacrament?
06:16 – Isn’t private confession a medieval invention, not something apostolic? (Doesn’t history show the confessional isn’t apostolic at all?)
15:01 – Isn’t the seal of confession a dangerous rule that shields criminals? (How is that not dangerous — protecting criminals and endangering the public?)
22:37 – Isn’t assigning penance works-righteousness that denies ‘Christ paid it all’? (Isn’t penance just topping up a payment Jesus already made in full?)
41:51 – But confession, penance, absolution sounds like works you perform to earn your way back. Isn’t that the opposite of the gospel?

#12931 Why Confess to a Priest? The Priesthood and Forgiveness - Karlo Broussard Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

“Why confess to a priest?” This question addresses the role of the priesthood in the sacrament of reconciliation. Other topics include the concept of the priesthood of all believers and whether John 20 implies that apostles merely announce forgiveness rather than absolve sins. The discussion also touches on the continuity of apostolic authority and the necessity of the sacrament.

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Questions Covered:

01:51 – Why do I have to confess to a priest — can’t I go straight to Jesus?
07:45 – Why a special priest at all — aren’t all believers priests? (The priesthood of all believers — doesn’t that make every Christian a priest, with no need for an absolving clergy-caste?)
18:30 – Doesn’t John 20 just mean the apostles announce forgiveness, not absolve? (Couldn’t that just mean they PROCLAIM God’s forgiveness — preach it — rather than personally absolve?)
24:50 – Even if it’s real absolution power God gave the Apostles, why think it passed on after the apostles died? (Where does Scripture say it passes on, instead of dying with the Twelve?)
38:38 – When the Bible instructs us to confess our sins isn’t that a reference to mutual accountability among believers — not kneeling before an ordained man?
49:31 – If perfect contrition already forgives, isn’t the sacrament unnecessary?

#12930 Is There a Connection Between Prophets and Modern Seers? Judith and Inerrancy - Jimmy Akin Oct 10, 2026

Show notes

“Is there a connection between prophets and modern seers?” This question opens a discussion on the links between Old Testament prophets and contemporary figures like those at Fatima and Medjugorje, while also touching on the implications for the book of Numbers. Additional topics include the presence of errors in the book of Judith and the nature of scriptural inerrancy.

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Questions Covered:

06:29 – Is there a connection between OT Bible prophets and modern day seers like at Fatima and Medjugorje? How does this then relate to the book of numbers?
19:42 – Why is the book of Judith in scripture when it contains errors?
32:24 – Does the inerrancy of scripture have to ascend beyond assertions?
46:21 – What does the mark of the beast have to do with the American dollar being irrelevant and declining in the future? How can someone discern the predictions in Revelations in revelation?

#12929 Did Paul Say Women Cant Teach? Bible Translations and More - Jimmy Akin Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

“Did Paul say women can’t teach?” This question opens a discussion on the role of women in the Church, alongside inquiries about the Vulgate’s Old Testament books recognized by Orthodox traditions and the significance of Sirach 45:1-5 in relation to the Tree of Life. Additionally, the episode addresses how to evaluate new Bible translations and the Catholic perspective on the Protoevangelium of James.

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Questions Covered:

01:55 – Paul says women shouldn’t be allowed to teach, so why do we allow women to teach?
20:08 – Of all the copies of the vulgate printed, did any of them have books in the OT recognized by the Orthodox?
23:20 – Sirach 45:1-5 mentions the law of life and knowledge. Is this an allusion to the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden?
37:33 – How do we evaluate the quality of new Bible translations?
49:46 – How Catholics should view thew Protoevangelium of James?

#12928 How Do You Prove God Exists? Atheism, Black Mass, and Demons - Tim Staples Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

“How do you prove God exists?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of faith and evidence, addressing concerns about absolute proof for God’s existence. The conversation also touches on how to engage with atheists in a university setting without compromising one’s beliefs, the history of the Black Mass, and the intriguing reactions of demons to Jesus.

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Questions Covered:

04:25 – How do you answer the person who says they want absolute proof for God?
14:48 – I’m a university student and there is an atheist association here. I try to interact with them. I see some theists using a more inflammatory approach, and I see others who are perhaps not confrontational enough. How do I stand my ground without becoming a doormat?
32:58 – What is the history of the Black Mass? It seems like more Black Mass people believe in the real presence than some Catholics.
40:50 – Whenever a demon sees Jesus they say “I know who you are.”

#12927 What Was Mass Like in 100 AD? Homilies and Indulgences - Tom Nash Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

“What would it look like if I went to Mass in the year 100 AD?” This question opens a fascinating exploration of early Christian worship. The discussion also touches on the differences between a sermon and a homily, the Church’s view of the Mass as a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice, and the role of indulgences in Catholic belief.

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Questions Covered:

01:30 – What would it look like if I went to Mass in the year 100 AD?
13:18 – What is the difference between a sermon and a homily? I don’t understand the function of the homily in the Mass.
16:42 – What is the Church’s view of understanding the Mass as a re-presentation of the sacrifice of Christ?
24:44 – I’m exploring Catholicism. What could an indulgence do that Christ’s sacrifice couldn’t do?
37:05 – I’m a Protestant but have attended the Latin Mass with my son. I decided to go to a Novus Ordo Mass on my own. What is the purpose of that Mass? It felt very Protestant to me. They had guitars, men and women serving Communion, and it felt like the solemnity was missing.
48:23 – In one of the Eucharistic prayers the priest says “Father remember your servants and those who are present” or something like that. Who are the servants this prayer refers to?
52:22 – Why has it become so common for people to call The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, “The Mass.” I feel like words matter, and just calling it “The Mass” sounds too casual to me.

#12926 What Is the Best Catholic Bible Translation? Luke and Irenaeus - Stephen Boyce Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

“What is the best Catholic Bible translation?” This question opens a discussion on the most suitable versions for Catholic readers, while also addressing how the book of Luke was accepted despite not being penned by an Apostle. Additional topics include the authorship of Revelation as discussed by St. Irenaeus and the origins of the sacrament of marriage.

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Questions Covered:

04:05 – I’m in OCIA. What is the best Catholic translation of the Bible?
10:01 – How did we come to accept the book of Luke if it is not written by any of the Apostles?
18:53 – Why does no one bring up St. Irenaeus’ Against Heresies book 5 in regards to the authorship of the book of Revelation?
30:02 – In Gospel of Matthew “this is to fulfill the scripture” was this added after they realized who Christ was or was it written at the time when Christ was on earth?
39:37 – Assuming you are relying on Sola Scriptura, where does the sacrament of marriage come from? How did we get the “ritual” of marriage.
41:19 – How can I explain that Irenaeus wrote that Jesus died in his late 30’s or early 50’s? How can We claim Irenaeus is a reliable source when he has such a large age range for the time that Jesus died.
47:41 – What does the Bible say about predestination? What do Catholics believe?

#12925 If the NT Is Apostolic, Why Include Hebrews? Canon and Enoch - Stephen Boyce Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

“If the NT has an apostolic origin, why is Hebrews included since we don’t know the author?” This question opens a discussion on the complexities of biblical authorship, alongside inquiries about the exclusion of the book of Enoch despite Jesus’ references, the determination of the Bible’s canon, and the differences in biblical texts between Catholic and Protestant traditions.

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Questions Covered:

03:01 – If the NT has an apostolic origin, why is Hebrews included since we don’t know the author?
18:45 – If Jesus quoted from the book of Enoch, why did the early fathers decide to not include the book of Enoch in the Bible?
22:18 – Do we know who wrote these letters (the Epistle to the Hebrews)? And how? The writing style is different, emphasis seems to be addressed to Jewish Audience.
31:27 – How is the Canon of the Bible determined?
39:20 – If Gospel of John was written by John the Beloved why is there no reference to the Transfiguration?
47:09 – Why do we have the Apocrypha in the Catholic Bible but not Protestant? Why is the Gospel of Mary not in the Catholic Bible?

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